OPT Training Information - D'Youville College

D’Youville CollegeInternational Student OfficeOptional Practical TrainingF-1 Students Applying for STEM ExtensionWhat are the eligible STEM degrees?• To be eligible for the 17-month OPT extension, a student must have received a degreeincluded in the STEM Designated Degree Program List. This list sets forth eligible coursesof study according to Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes developed by theU.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).• The STEM Designated Degree Program List includes the following courses of study:o Computer Science Applicationso Actuarial Scienceo Engineeringo Engineering Technologieso Science Technologieso Biological and Biomedical Scienceso Mathematics and Statisticso Military Technologieso Physical Scienceso Medical Scientist• The STEM degree list is included in the preamble to the interim final rule and will beposted on the ICE website. http://www.ice.gov/sevis/stemlist.htm• Note that to be eligible for an OPT extension the student must currently be in anapproved post-completion OPT period based on a designated STEM degree. Thus, forexample, a student with an undergraduate degree in a designated STEM field, but currentlyin OPT based on a subsequent MBA degree, would not be eligible for an OPT extension.What are the eligibility requirements for the 17-month extension of post-completionOPT?• The student must have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree included in the STEMDesignated Degree Program List.• The student must currently be in an approved post-completion OPT period based on adesignated STEM degree.• The student’s employer must be enrolled in E-Verify.• The student must apply on time (i.e., before the current post-completion OPT expires).

What is the E-Verify program?• The E-Verify program is an Internet-based system operated by the Department ofHomeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA).• The E-Verify program currently is the best means available for employers to determineemployment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security Numbers.• E-Verify electronically compares information contained on the Employment EligibilityVerification Form I-9 with records contained in SSA and DHS databases to help employersverify identity and employment eligibility of newly-hired employees.Is there a cost associated with employers participating in the E-Verify program?• No. E-Verify is a free, easy-to-use web-based system available to employers and in all 50states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.What is the application process for the 17-month STEM extension?• The student files Form I-765 with USCIS, Form I-20 endorsed by the DSO, a copy of theSTEM degree, and the required application fee.• Form I-765 is being amended to require the student to indicate the degree and provide theemployer’s E-Verify information.• If their post-completion OPT expires while the 17-month extension application ispending, students who timely filed their STEM extension applications with USCIS willreceive an extension of employment authorization after their current employmentauthorization expires, but for no more than 180 days.What must a student do after being granted the 17-month STEM extension?• The student must report to his or her DSO (within 10 days) any change in:• Legal name;• Residential or mailing address;• E-mail address;• Employer name;• Employer address;• The student must also report to his or her DSO every six months, confirming theinformation listed above; even if there have been no changes.• The requirement to report continues if the student’s 17-month STEM extension isextended further by the automatic cap-gap extension.

What to send to USCIS Original Form I-765 Copy of official transcripts or a copy of your diploma (as long as it specifies your field of study) Copy of your EAD card(s) Application fee of $380 (The check or money order is to made payable to the Department ofHomeland Security) Photocopy of your current I-20(with the OPT recommendation) Photocopies of ALL your previous I-20’s Photocopies of your valid passport (biographical and photos pages) Photocopy of your US visa Photocopy of the front and back of your I-94 Two identical natural color passport photographs taken within 30 days of applicationPlease make an appointment with the ISO after you assemble your STEM OPT applicationWhere to send the applicationUS Department of Homeland SecurityUSCISVermont Service CenterAttention: I-76575 Lower Welden AveSt. Albans, VT 05479-0001*note this address is for residents of NY stateCan you work while the application is in process?Yes, your application to USCIS automatically extends your work authorization for up to 180 days,while the application is pending.Can you change employers while your application is pending?Yes, you can change employers but the new employers must be registered with E-Verify.Responsibilities after receiving the EAD cardReport any changes to the ISO regarding:NameResidential addressEmployer name, address and E-verify numberAny loss of employmentWhat documents you should carry when reentering the United Stateswhile on OPTValid PassportValid F-1 visaA current letter from your employer on company letterhead verifying your OPT employmentBoth EAD cardsYour SEVIS I-20 with the OPT recommendation on page 3A current signature on page 3 of your I-20(within the last 6 months)